Public health in the United States has faced significant challenges in 2025, with much of the controversy surrounding the actions of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., currently serving as Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS). Since his appointment in February, Kennedy has implemented policies that critics argue undermine established public health protocols and threaten the well-being of American citizens.
One of the most notable actions taken by Kennedy was the dismissal of all 17 members of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) in June 2025. This committee, organized by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), plays a crucial role in guiding vaccine policy in the U.S. Kennedy replaced these experts with individuals who align with his views, many of whom have been criticized for misrepresenting vaccine safety or benefiting financially from anti-vaccine rhetoric. This restructuring has emboldened the anti-vaccine movement, leading to controversial recommendations that could reverse decades of public health progress.
In a significant policy shift, the new ACIP voted to overturn a longstanding recommendation that all children in the U.S. receive the hepatitis B vaccine at birth. This vaccine has historically contributed to a dramatic decrease in hepatitis B cases, particularly among children. As a result of this decision, experts warn that more children may now be at risk of preventable diseases.
Impact on the CDC and Federal Health Agencies
Kennedy’s influence has not only affected vaccine policy but has also contributed to what many describe as a crisis within the CDC. In August, he orchestrated the dismissal of former CDC director Susan Monarez, just weeks after her appointment. Monarez has since stated that her termination was linked to her refusal to endorse ACIP recommendations without proper review. Following her dismissal, several senior CDC officials resigned in protest, raising concerns about the agency’s integrity and independence.
Former CDC official Demetre Daskalakis remarked on the situation, stating, “Federal public health has now been compromised—it has been taken over by ideology, it’s been weaponized.” The CDC, once a pillar of public health in the U.S., is now perceived as compromised, with current leadership appearing to support Kennedy’s agenda.
Additionally, sweeping job and funding cuts have been implemented across federal health agencies, particularly affecting the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The HHS under Kennedy has terminated billions in federal grants to health departments and researchers, which has already resulted in substantial setbacks for ongoing clinical trials and research initiatives.
Resurgence of Vaccine-Preventable Diseases
The consequences of these policy changes are becoming increasingly evident. In 2025, the U.S. has reported nearly 2,000 cases of measles across 47 outbreaks, the highest number seen since the disease was eliminated locally over two decades ago. This increase raises concerns about the potential loss of the country’s official measles-free status. Experts believe that the weakened state of the CDC and diminished funding have hindered efforts to control these outbreaks effectively.
Kennedy’s administration also sparked a controversial discussion surrounding the use of acetaminophen during pregnancy and its alleged link to autism. During a press conference in September, Kennedy and former President Donald Trump claimed potential associations between the common pain reliever and developmental disorders. These assertions, however, have met with widespread criticism from medical experts who emphasize that existing research does not support a causative link.
As public health officials grapple with these challenges, the focus remains on the implications of Kennedy’s policies. With 2025 marked by significant changes in public health leadership and policy, the long-term effects of these decisions on the health of Americans will likely continue to unfold in the coming years. The ongoing discourse surrounding vaccination and public health strategy is critical, and many health professionals urge a return to evidence-based practices to safeguard the nation’s health.
